Symptoms: One of the first signs of cystic fibrosis is
that the parents might notice that their baby's skin is salty
when they kiss it, or that the baby doesn't 'pass stool' when
first born. Also, sinusitis, an infection of the air-filled
spaces behind your eyes, nose, and forehead is a good sign.
Frequent fits of bronchitis and pneumonia are also signs.

· Liver disease due to inflamed or blocked bile
ducts.

· Diabetes.

· Gallstones.

When it can be diagnosed: Most States screen newborns
using a genetic test and/or a blood test. They may also see if
the parents are carriers before the baby is born too.

Groups at risk: About 1,000 new cases of CF are diagnosed
each year. It is most common in Caucasians, but is also common
in Latinos and Native Americans, especially the Pueblo and Zuni.
It is less common in African Americans and Asian Americans.

Treatments:

· Aerobic exercise that makes them breathe harder
helps loosen the mucus in their throat and lungs so that they can
cough it up.

· Their doctor may prescribe antibiotics,
anti-inflammatory medicines, and mucus-thinning medicines. They
help treat/prevent lung infections, swelling. It opens up the
airways, and thins the mucus.

· Chest Physical Therapy or just pounding on their
chest and back for a while with their hands or a machine so it
will loosen the mucus in their lungs.

Cures: It has no cure.

Autosomal or Sex-linked: Autosomal

Dominant or Recessive: Recessive

Additional information: It is an inherited disease of your
secretory glands, including the ones that make mucus and sweat.

As treatments for CF continues, the life expectancy for those who
have it goes up. Today, some people who have CF live up to their
forties, fifties, and older.